Waterproof structure and electronic equipment

ABSTRACT

With a waterproof structure for the space between a first case and a diaphragm doubling as a display panel provided facing the first case, a first resilient member is integrally formed at a surface of the diaphragm facing the first case, and the first resilient member is press-fitted into a groove formed in a surface of the first case facing the diaphragm side.

1. CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/256,893 which was filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office onOct. 23, 2008. Priority is claimed for this invention and application,corresponding application(s) having been filed in Japan on Oct. 23,2007, No. 2007-274915, respectively.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

2. Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a waterproof structure provided acrossa first case and a diaphragm doubling as a display panel provided facingthe first case, and electronic equipment equipped with the waterproofstructure.

3. Description of the Related Art

Typically, a panel speaker emits sound as a result of a panel and/orcasing being made to vibrate by a drive source such as an actuator. Sucha panel speaker does not require a sound hole and is therefore suited tobeing waterproof. However, it is not possible to fix the panel andcasing firmly together because the panel and casing are made to vibrate.It is therefore difficult to adopt a sealed structure for the casing.

In a structure for installing a flat panel speaker as disclosed in, forexample, Unexamined Japanese Patent Application KOKAI Publication No.2006-166029, an actuator module is fitted to a prescribed position on adiaphragm and the diaphragm is then fitted to a front case via aframe-shaped gasket member composed of silicon rubber. The gasket memberis then fitted to the diaphragm and a mounting surface of the front casevia a frame-shaped double-sided adhesive sheet. This preventsinfiltration of moisture etc. without hindering vibration of thediaphragm.

However, with the document disclosed above, the diaphragm, the gasketmember, and the front case are adhered using double-sided adhesivesheet. The thickness of the panel speaker is therefore increased and thenumber of components becomes substantial. Further, it is necessary forthe gasket member to hold the diaphragm while expanding and contracting.The meaning of holding the diaphragm also implies that adhesion betweenthe gasket member and the double-sided tape is also necessary. It istherefore difficult for all of the conditions to be realisticallysatisfied. When considering comprehensive waterproofing for thestructure of the disclosed document, it is also necessary to consider awaterproof structure for between the front case and the rear cover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to resolve the above situation, it is therefore an object ofthe present invention to provide a waterproof structure and electronicequipment capable of reducing the number of components, making thestructure simple and thin, and capable of bringing about high resistanceto water.

In order to resolve the above problems, according to one aspect of thepresent invention, in a waterproof structure for the space between afirst case and a diaphragm doubling as a display panel provided facingthe first case, a first resilient member is integrally formed at asurface of the diaphragm facing the first case, and the first resilientmember is press-fitted into a groove formed at a surface of the firstcase facing the diaphragm side.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in a waterproofstructure for the space between a first case and a diaphragm doubling asa display panel provided facing the first case, the first resilientmember is formed integrally via a film at a surface of the diaphragmfacing the first case, and the first resilient member is press-fittedinto a groove formed at a surface of the first case facing thediaphragm.

According to the present invention, it is possible to implement a highlywaterproof panel speaker while reducing the number of components,simplifying the structure, and making the structure thin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These objects and other objects and advantages of the present inventionwill become more apparent upon reading of the following detaileddescription and the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display-side casing according to afirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the display-side casingaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in the direction of an arrow of across-section cut along cutting plane line of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view in the direction of an arrow of across-section cut along cutting plane line IV-IV of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the display-side casingaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view in the direction of an arrow of across-section cut along cutting plane line VI-VI with the display-sidecasing of FIG. 5 assembled;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a display-side casing according to athird embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the display-side casingaccording to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view in the direction of an arrow of across-section cut along cutting plane line IX-IX of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view in the direction of an arrow of across-section cut along cutting plane line X-X of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a display-side casingaccording to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view in the direction of an arrow cut alongcutting plane line XII-XII with the display-side casing of FIG. 11assembled;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a display-side casingaccording to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view in the direction of an arrow cut alongcutting plane line XIV-XIV with the display-side casing of FIG. 13assembled; and

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view in the direction of an arrow cut alongcutting plane line XV-XV of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following is a description using the drawings of exemplaryembodiments of the present invention. Various preferred technologicallimitations are imposed in order to exemplify the present invention inthe embodiments described below but the scope of the present inventionis not limited to the embodiments and exemplary examples explainedbelow. A description is given in the following of the case of applyingthe waterproof structure of the present invention to a folding-typemobile telephone (electronic equipment).

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display-side casing 100, FIG. 2 is anexploded perspective view of the display-side casing 100, FIG. 3 is ancross-sectional view in the direction of an arrow cut along cuttingplane line of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view in thedirection of an arrow cut along cutting plane line IV-IV of FIG. 1.

In the following description, “vertical direction” is explained takingFIG. 3 as a reference.

A folding-type mobile telephone includes the display-side casing 100 andan operation unit casing. The display-side casing 100 has a display unit7 including a liquid crystal display etc. A set of operation keys areprovided at the operation unit casing. The display-side casing 100 andthe operation unit casing are coupled by a hinge structure so as to becapable of rotation.

The display-side casing 100 includes a first case 1, a diaphragm 2, anda first resilient member 3. The first case 1 faces to the outside whilethe folding-type mobile telephone is closed. The diaphragm 2 is providedfacing the first case 1 and faces towards the inside while thefolding-type mobile telephone is closed. The first resilient member 3 isformed integrally with a lower surface of the diaphragm 2 at a lowersurface facing towards the side of the first case 1. The display-sidecasing 100 has an opening 42, with the diaphragm 2 being disposed withinthe opening 42. The display-side casing 100 includes a second case 4 anda center case 6. The second case 4 covers the first case 1 from above.The center case 6 is housed within a space 5 formed between the firstcase 1 and the diaphragm 2.

The first case 1 has a recess 11 hollowed out in a downward direction.The space 5 is formed by the recess 11 and the diaphragm 2. The centercase 6, the display unit 7, and the drive device 8 etc. are then housedin the space 5. A groove 12 is then formed in the shape of a rectangularframe at the upper end surface of the first case 1.

The first resilient member 3 is then press-fitted into the groove 12. Anupper end of an inner wall section 121 forming the groove 12 is slightlylower than the upper end of an outer wall section 122. The firstresilient member 3 is then disposed extending along the upper end of theinner wall section 121 and an upper end of the center case 6.

The diaphragm 2 also serves as a display panel. The diaphragm 2 issubstantially rectangular in shape and a drive device 8 such as anactuator for the panel speaker is fixed to a lower surface of thediaphragm 2. The drive device 8 is only fixed to the diaphragm 2 but isnot attached to the center case 6 and is therefore free with respect tothe side of the center case 6. Fixing of the drive device 8 to thediaphragm 2 in this manner is so that the drive device 8 causes thediaphragm 2 to exhibit a bending action rather than a reciprocatingoperation. This causes sound to be generated as a result of thisresonating action. The body of the drive device 8 itself can freelychange and it is necessary to transmit this vibration to the diaphragm2. A flexible cable is therefore used for electrical connection.

The first resilient member 3 is formed integrally so as to span from alower surface edge of the diaphragm 2 to the outer peripheral edge.

The first resilient member 3 is formed from, for example, rubberpacking, in the shape of a substantially rectangular frame along anouter peripheral edge of the diaphragm 2. The first resilient member 3includes a sandwiched section 31, an extending section 32, and aprotruding section 33. The sandwiched section 31 is sandwiched betweenthe second case 4 and the diaphragm 2. The extending section 32 extendsto a lower surface side of the diaphragm 2 from the sandwiched section31 and is disposed so as to extend across an upper end of the centercase 6 and the inner wall section 121 forming the groove 12. Theprotruding section 33 is provided at an end section at an outer side ofthe extending section 32 and is press-fitted into the groove 12 of thefirst case 1. A projection 34 press-fitting with the wall surface (outerwall section 122) forming the groove 12 is formed at the protrudingsection 33. It is therefore possible to prevent the first resilientmember 3 from coming away from the groove 12. As shown in FIG. 4, theprojection 34 is formed with a gradual incline so as to become taperedtoward the tip of the protruding section 33 and appears as beingsubstantially wedge-shaped in cross-section.

The first resilient member 3 is then formed integrally with thediaphragm 2. For example, thermal fusion using insert molding andcoinjection molding using a material with self-adhering properties canbe given as integrally forming methods. However, there are no particularrestrictions as long as resistance to peeling is provided and gaps arenot present.

The second case 4 has a recess 41 hollowed out in an upward direction.The opening 42 is formed in the recess 41. The diaphragm 2 and thesandwiched section 31 of the first resilient member 3 are then fitted atthe opening 42. The sandwiched section 31 is sandwiched by the innerwall surface forming the opening 42 of the second case 4 and an outerperipheral edge of the diaphragm 2.

An engaging section 45 is formed at the recess 41 of the second case 4and engages with the outer wall section 122 forming the groove 12.

The center case 6 is housed within the recess 41 of the second case 4(within the space 5 formed by the first case 1 and the diaphragm 2). Thecenter case 6 has a recess 61 hollowed out downwards as with the firstcase 1. The display unit 7 including a display section such as a liquidcrystal display, a drive circuit for driving the display section, and apower supply etc., and a drive device 8 fixed to a lower surface of thediaphragm 2 are housed within the recess 61 of the center case 6.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, screw holes 43, 43, . . . passing throughthe outer side surface of the second case 4 are formed at the fourcorners of the outer-side surface. Screw-holes 13, 13, . . . that thescrews 10 are screwed into are also formed at the outer-side surface ofthe first case 1 corresponding to the screw holes 43, 43, . . . Thefirst case 1 and the second case 4 are then fixed together by screwingthe screws 10, 10, . . . into the screw holes 43, 43, . . . and 13, 13,. . .

The display-side casing 100 constructed in this manner is such that thediaphragm 2 vibrates so as to function as a speaker as a result of beingdriven by the drive device 8.

Next, a description is given of a method of assembling the display-sidecasing 100.

First, the first resilient member 3 is formed in an integral manneralong the lower surface edge and the outer peripheral edge of thediaphragm 2 using well-known insert molding etc. Next, the drive device8 is fixed to the lower surface of the diaphragm 2 using double-sidedtape.

On the other hand, the center case 6 and the display unit 7 are housedwithin the recess 11 of the first case 1. The protruding section 33 ofthe first resilient member 3 is then press-fitted into the groove 12 ofthe first case 1 and the top of the center case 6 is covered by thediaphragm 2. The second case 4 is also fitted to the first case 1 as aresult of the engaging section 45 of the second case 4 fitting with theouter wall section 122 of the first case 1. The diaphragm 2 and thefirst resilient member 3 are disposed within the opening 42 of thesecond case 4, with the first case 1 being covered by the second case 4.Finally, the first case 1 and the second case 2 are fixed together byscrewing the screws 10, 10, . . . into the screw holes 13, 13, . . . ofthe first case 1 from the screw holes 43, 43, . . . formed in the secondcase 4.

The first resilient member 3 is formed integrally at the lower surfaceof the diaphragm 2 towards the side of the first case 1 and ispress-fitted into the groove 12 formed at the upper surface towards theside of the diaphragm 2 of the first case 1. It is therefore possible tomake the space between the diaphragm 2 and the first case 1 waterproofusing the first resilient member 3 press-fitted into the groove 12. Itis also possible to achieve waterproofing without this being dependenton compression of the first case 1 and the second case 4. The number ofcomponents can be reduced, the structure can be simplified, and a degreeof thinness can be achieved by integrating the diaphragm 2 and the firstresilient member 3.

The display-side casing 100 includes the second case 4 that covers thefirst case 1 having the opening 42, and the center case 6 contained inthe space 5 formed between the first case 1 and the diaphragm 2.Further, the first resilient member 3 is fixed by the second case 4 andis disposed between the diaphragm 2 and the center case 6. It istherefore possible for the display-side casing 100 to provide protectionfrom abnormal loads from the surface of the diaphragm 2 and to ensuremobility as a result of the diaphragm 2 not being constrained, using thefirst resilient member 3 and the center case 6.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the display-side casing 100A,and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken cut along a cutting planeline VI-VI with the display-side casing 100A in FIG. 5 assembled.

In the following description, “vertical direction” is explained takingFIG. 6 as a reference.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that thedisplay-side casing 100A does not have a second case but rather adiaphragm 2A and a first case 1A are fixed directly.

Specifically, the display-side casing 100A includes the first case 1A,the diaphragm 2A, and a first resilient member 3A. The diaphragm 2A isprovided facing the first case 1A and doubles as a display panel. Thefirst resilient member 3A is formed integrally with a lower surface ofthe diaphragm 2A at a lower surface facing towards the side of the firstcase 1A.

The first case 1A has a recess 11A hollowed-out downwards as with thefirst case 1 of the first embodiment. The space 5A is formed by therecess 11A and the diaphragm 2A. The display unit 7A and a drive deviceare housed in the space 5A. A groove 12A is formed in the shape of arectangular frame at an upper end surface of the first case 1A. Thefirst resilient member 3A is then press-fitted into the groove 12A. Anupper end of an inner wall section 121A forming the groove 12A isslightly lower than the upper end of an outer wall section 122A. Thefirst resilient member 3A is then disposed at the upper end of the innerwall section 121A.

The diaphragm 2A is in the shape of a substantially rectangular plate ofsubstantially the same size as the upper surface of the first case 1A,with a drive device being fixed to a lower surface. The drive device isfixed in the same way as the drive device 8 of the first embodiment.

The substantially rectangular frame-shaped first resilient member 3A isintegrally formed at the lower surface edge of the diaphragm 2A.

The first resilient member 3A is, for example, made of rubber packing,is formed in a rectangular frame shape, and does not extend at the outerperipheral edge side of the diaphragm 2A. The first resilient member 3Aforms an L-shape when viewed in cross-section and includes a mountingsection 31A and a protruding section 33A. The mounting section 31A isdisposed at an upper end of the inner wall section 121A forming thegroove 12A. The protruding section 33A fits into the groove 12A of thefirst case 1A. A projection 34A substantially wedge-shaped when viewedin cross-section that presses a wall surface (outer wall section 122A)forming the groove 12A is formed at the protruding section 33A. It istherefore possible to prevent the first resilient member 3A from comingaway from the groove 12A.

The first resilient member 3A is then formed integrally with the lowersurface of the diaphragm 2A using the method explained above.

The display unit 7A (shown only in FIG. 6) and the drive device fixed tothe lower surface of the diaphragm 2A are housed within the recess 11Aof the first case 1A (within a space 5A formed by the first case 1A andthe diaphragm 2A).

Further, screw holes 21A, 21A, . . . passing through the upper surfaceof the diaphragm 2A are formed at four corners on the upper surface.Screw holes 13A, 13A, . . . that stepped screws 10A, 10A . . . arescrewed into are formed on an upper end surface of the first case 1Acorresponding to the screw holes 21A, 21A, . . . The screw holes 13A,13A, . . . are disposed on the outside of the groove 12A. The diaphragm2A and the first case 1A are then fixed together by screwing the steppedscrews 10A, 10A, . . . into each of the screw holes 21A, 21A, . . . and13A, 13A, . . . via second resilient members 9A, 9A, . . . As shown inFIG. 6, stepped sections 101A are formed at a boundary portion of thefirst case 1A and the diaphragm 2A. Portions of the stepped screws 10Ascrewed into screw holes 13A of the first case 1A have smaller diametersthan the portions screwed into the screw holes 21A of the diaphragm 2A.

The second resilient members 9A are made, for example, of rubber etc.having cushioning properties and are sandwiched between head sections102A of the stepped screws 10A and the diaphragm 2A. As a result, thesecond resilient members 9A prevent the stepped screws 10A from comingout while permitting vibration of the diaphragm 2A. Further, a fixedspace S is formed at a boundary portion of the diaphragm 2A and thefirst case 1A by the stepped sections 101A of the stepped screws 10A.The first case 1A is therefore prevented from interfering with vibrationof the diaphragm 2A.

With the display-side casing 100A formed in this way, the diaphragm 2Avibrates so as to function as a speaker due to being driven by the drivedevice.

Next, a description is given of a method of assembling the display-sidecasing 100A.

First, the first resilient member 3A is integrally formed at aprescribed position of the lower surface of the diaphragm 2A usingwell-known insert molding etc. Next, the drive device is fixed to thelower surface of the diaphragm 2A using double-sided tape.

On the other hand, the display unit 7A is housed in the recess 11A ofthe first case 1A. The protruding section 33A of the first resilientmember 3A is press-fitted into the groove 12A of the first case 1A andthe first case 1A is covered from above by the diaphragm 2A. Thediaphragm 2A and the first case 1A are then fixed together by screwingthe stepped screws 10A, 10A, . . . from the screw holes 21A, 21A, . . .of the diaphragm 2A to the screw holes 13A, 13A, . . . of the first case1A via the second resilient members 9A, 9A, . . .

The first resilient member 3A is then formed integrally at the lowersurface of the diaphragm 2A facing towards the side of the first case 1Aand is press-fitted into the groove 12A formed at the upper surface ofthe first case 1A facing towards the diaphragm 2A. The space between thediaphragm 2A and the first case 1A is then made waterproof by the firstresilient member 3A press-fitted into the groove 12A. It is thereforepossible to achieve waterproofing that does not depend on compression ofthe first case 1A and the diaphragm 2A and to implement a panel speaker.Further, the diaphragm 2A and the first resilient member 3A areintegrally formed. It is therefore possible to reduce the number ofcomponents, simplify the structure, and achieve a degree of thinness.

The diaphragm 2A and the first case 1A are fixed using stepped screws10A via the second resilient members 9A. It is therefore possible toimplement a new design. In the second embodiment, the second case of thefirst embodiment is no longer necessary. It is therefore possible tofurther reduce the number of components, further simplify the structure,and achieve a further degree of thinness.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the display-side casing 100B. FIG. 8 isan exploded perspective view of the display-side casing 100B. FIG. 9 isa cross-sectional view in the direction of an arrow cut along cuttingplane line IX-IX of FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view in thedirection of an arrow cut along cutting plane line X-X of FIG. 7.

In the following description, “vertical direction” is explained takingFIG. 9 as a reference.

The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a firstresilient member 3B is fixed to the lower surface of a diaphragm 2B viaa flexible wiring substrate 14B that is a film. The flexible wiringsubstrate 14B and the first resilient member 3B are integrally formed.

Specifically, the display-side casing 100B includes a first case 1B, thediaphragm 2B, and the first resilient member 3B. The diaphragm 2B isprovided facing the first case 1B and doubles as a display panel. Thefirst resilient member 3B is fixed to the lower surface of the diaphragm2B facing the side of the first case 1B. The display-side casing 100Bhas an opening 42B, with the diaphragm 2B being disposed within theopening 42B. The display-side casing 100B includes a second case 4B anda center case 6B. The second case 4B covers the first case 1B fromabove. The center case 6B is housed within a space 5B formed between thefirst case 1B and the diaphragm 2B.

The first case 1B has a recess 11B, as with the first case 1 of thefirst embodiment. A groove 12B is formed at an upper end surface of thefirst case 1B in the shape of a rectangular frame. An upper end of aninner wall section 121B forming the groove 12B is slightly lower thanthe upper end of an outer wall section 122B. A first resilient member 3Bis then disposed spanning the upper end of the inner wall section 121Band the upper end of the center case 6B.

The diaphragm 2B is in a substantially rectangular shape as with thediaphragm 2 of the first embodiment, with a drive device 8B fixed to alower surface.

The substantially rectangular-shaped first resilient member 3B is fixedto the lower surface edge of the diaphragm 2B via the flexible wiringsubstrate 14B using double-sided tape 15B.

The first resilient member 3B is composed of, for example, rubberpacking, and is in the shape of a rectangular frame. The first resilientmember 3B includes an abutting section 35B, an extending section 32B,and a protruding section 33B. The abutting section 35B abuts with arecess 41B of the second case 4B. The extending section 32B extends fromthe abutting section 35B to the lower surface side of the diaphragm 2Band is disposed so as to span from the upper end of the center case 6Bto the upper end of the inner wall section 121B forming the groove 12B.The protruding section 33B is provided at the outside tip of theextending section 32B and is press-fitted into the groove 12B of thefirst case 1B. A projection 34B press-fitting with the wall surface(outer wall section 122B) forming the groove 12B is formed at theprotruding section 33B. It is therefore possible to prevent the firstresilient member 3B from coming away from the groove 12B.

The first resilient member 3B is formed integrally with the flexiblewiring substrate 14B. For example, thermal fusion using insert moldingand coinjection molding using a material with self-adhering propertiescan be given as methods of integrally forming. However, there are noparticular restrictions as long as resistance to peeling is provided andgaps are not present.

The flexible wiring substrate 14B is formed in the shape of a framealong an upper surface of the first resilient member 3B, as shown inFIG. 8 and FIG. 9. Part of the flexible wiring substrate 14B passesthrough the abutting section 35B of the first resilient member 3B andextends towards the frame from within the frame to outside of the firstresilient member 3B. The extending portion is lead out to the outside ofthe first case 1B and the second case 4B.

The second case 4B has the recess 41B hollowed out in an upwarddirection. The opening 42B is formed at the recess 41B and the diaphragm2B is fitted to the opening 42B. Further, an engaging section 45B isformed at the recess 41B of the second case 4B and engages with theouter wall section 122B forming the groove 12B of the first case 3B. Acut-out withdrawing hole 44B for pulling out the flexible wiringsubstrate 14B to outside is formed at part of the second case 4B.

A substrate 16B and the center case 6B are housed from below in orderwithin the recess 11B of the first case 1B (within the space 5B formedby the first case 1B and the diaphragm 2B). The substrate 16B has aliquid crystal display for a display unit 7B and a drive circuit such asthe drive device 8B. The center case 6B has a recess 61B hollowed outdownwards. The display unit 7B and the drive device 8B fixed to thelower surface of the diaphragm 2B are housed within the recess 61B ofthe center case 6B. An opening 62B is formed at the center case 6B insuch a manner that the substrate 16B disposed at the lower surface ofthe center case 6B is exposed. The flexible wiring substrate 14B is thenconnected to the substrate 16B exposed from the opening 62B (refer toFIG. 9).

Screw holes 43B, 43B, . . . passing through the outer-side surface ofthe second case 4B are formed at the four corners on the outsidesurface. Further, screw holes 13B, 13B, . . . that screws 10B, 10B, . .. are screwed in are also formed at the outer-side surface of the firstcase 1B so as to correspond to the screw holes 43B, 43B, . . . The firstcase 1B and the second case 4B are then fixed together by screwing thescrews 10B, 10B, . . . into the screw holes 43B, 43B . . . and the screwholes 13B, 13B, . . .

The display-side casing 100B formed in the above manner is then suchthat the diaphragm 2B is made to vibrate as a result of being driven bythe drive device 8B so as to function as a speaker.

Next, a description is given of a method of assembling the display-sidecasing 100B.

First, the first resilient member 3B and the flexible wiring substrate14B are integrally formed using well-known insert molding etc. Next, thefirst resilient member 3B formed integrally with the flexible wiringsubstrate 14B is fixed to the lower surface of the diaphragm 2B usingdouble-sided tape 15B. The drive device 8B is then also fixed to thelower surface of the diaphragm 2B using double-sided tape.

On the other hand, the substrate 16B, the center case 6B, and thedisplay unit 7B are housed within the recess 11B of the first case 1B.The protruding section 33B of the first resilient member 3B is thenpress-fitted into the groove 12B of the first case 1B. The second case4B abuts with the abutting section 35B of the first resilient member 3Band the engaging section 45B engages with the outer wall section 122B.The first case 1B is then covered by the second case 4B by disposing thediaphragm 2B within the opening 42B of the second case 4B. At this time,part of the flexible wiring substrate 14B is lead out from thewithdrawing hole 44B. Finally, the first case 1B and the second case 4Bare fixed together by screwing the screws 10B, 10B, . . . into the screwholes 13B, 13B, . . . of the first case 1B from the screw holes 43B,43B, . . . formed in the outer-side surface of the second case 4B.

The first resilient member 3B is formed integrally via the flexiblewiring substrate 14B that is film at the lower surface of the diaphragm2B facing towards the first case 1B. The first resilient member 3B isthen press-fitted into the groove 12B formed at the upper surface facingthe side of the diaphragm 2B of the first case 1B. It is thereforepossible to waterproof the space between the diaphragm 2B and the firstcase 1B using the first resilient member 3B press-fitted into the groove12B. It is also possible to achieve waterproofing that does not dependon compression of the first case 1B and the second case 4B and it ispossible to implement a panel speaker. Further, the diaphragm 2B and thefirst resilient member 3B are integrally formed. It is thereforepossible to reduce the number of components, simplify the structure, andachieve a degree of thinness.

Further, the first resilient member 3B is integrally formed at the lowersurface of the diaphragm 2B via the flexible wiring substrate 14B.Printing on the back surface of the diaphragm 2B therefore becomeseasier and it is possible to prevent the diaphragm 2B from becomingdamaged when printing on the back surface.

In particular, the flexible wiring substrate 14B is used as a film. Itis therefore not only possible to lead out the wiring to outside of thefirst case 1B, but it is also possible to curtail the structure forwaterproofing independently from the wiring.

Further, the display-side casing 100B includes the second case 4B havingan opening 42B and a center case 6B. The second case 4B covers the firstcase 1B. The center case 6B is housed within a space 5B formed betweenthe first case 4B and the diaphragm 2B. The first resilient member 3B isfixed by the second case 4B and is disposed between the diaphragm 2B andthe center case 6B. The display-side casing 100B is therefore capable ofensuring protection from abnormal loads from the surface of thediaphragm 2B and is capable of ensuring mobility as a result of thediaphragm not being constrained, using the first resilient member 3B andthe center case 6B.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the display-side casing 100C.FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view in the direction of an arrow cut alonga cutting plane line XII-XII when the display-side casing 100C in FIG.11 is assembled.

In the following description, “vertical direction” is explained takingFIG. 12 as a reference.

In the fourth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the flexiblewiring substrate 14B is taken to be a simple film 17C and the case isgiven where the film 17C and a first resilient member 3C are integrallyformed. Other aspects of the configuration are the same as for the thirdembodiment. The character C is therefore given to portions of theconfiguration that are the same and the portions are not explained.

The film 17C is positioned on the upper surface of an extending section32C of the first resilient member 3C, further to the inside than anabutting section 35C. The film 17C and the first resilient member 3C areintegrally formed using a well-known method. The upper surface of thefilm 17C and the lower surface of the diaphragm 2C are fixed viadouble-sided tape 15C.

The method of assembling the display-side casing 100C is basically thesame as for the third embodiment and is not explained.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the display-side casing 100D.FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view in a direction of an arrow cut along acutting plane line XIV-XIV with the display-side casing 100D in FIG. 13assembled. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view in a direction of an arrowcut along a cutting plane line XV-XV of FIG. 13.

In the following description, “vertical direction” is explained takingFIG. 14 as a reference.

In the fifth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, a first resilientmember 3D is fixed to the lower surface of a diaphragm 2D via theflexible wiring substrate 14D that is a film. The flexible wiringsubstrate 14D and the first resilient member 3D are formed integrally. Asecond case is not provided, as in the second embodiment, and thediaphragm 2D and a first case 1D are fixed together directly.

Specifically, the display-side casing 100D includes the first case 1D,the diaphragm 2D, and the first resilient member 3D. The diaphragm 2D isprovided facing the first case 1D and doubles as a display panel. Thefirst resilient member 3D is fixed to the lower surface of the diaphragm2D facing the side of the first case 1D via the flexible wiringsubstrate 14D that is film.

The first case 1D is the same as the first case 1A of the secondembodiment and has a recess 11D. A groove 12D is formed in the shape ofa rectangular frame on the upper end surface of the first case 1D.Further, an upper end of an inner wall section 121D forming the groove12D is slightly lower than the upper end of the outer wall section 122D.The first resilient member 3D is then disposed on the upper end of theinner wall section 121D.

The diaphragm 2D is the same as the diaphragm 2A of the secondembodiment and is a substantially rectangular-shaped plate ofsubstantially the same size as the upper surface of the first case 1Dand has a drive device fixed to a lower surface.

Further, a substantially rectangular frame-shaped first resilient member3D is fixed using double-sided tape 15D to a lower surface edge of thediaphragm 2D via the flexible wiring substrate 14D.

The first resilient member 3D is the same as the first resilient member3A of the second embodiment and includes a mounting section 31D and aprotruding section 33D. A projection 34D is formed at the protrudingsection 33D.

The flexible wiring substrate 14D is then formed integrally using insertmolding etc. at an upper surface of the first resilient member 3D.

As shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 15, the flexible wiring substrate 14D isformed in the shape of a frame along an upper surface of the firstresilient member 3D. Part of the flexible wiring substrate 14D extendsfrom inside the frame of the first resilient member 3D to outside of theframe. The extending portion is then lead-out to outside of the firstcase 1D.

A display unit and a drive device fixed to the lower surface of thediaphragm 2D are housed within the recess 11D (within a space 5D formedby the first case 1D and the diaphragm 2D) of the first case 1D. Asubstrate having a liquid crystal display for the display unit and adrive circuit such as a drive device is also housed, as in the thirdembodiment.

Further, four screw holes 21D, 21D, . . . are formed at the uppersurface of the diaphragm 2D as in the second embodiment, and four screwholes 13D, 13D, . . . are also formed at an upper end surface of thefirst case 1D. The diaphragm 2D and the first case 1D are then fixedtogether by screwing the stepped screws 10D, 10D, . . . into the screwholes 21D, 21D, . . . and the screw holes 13D, 13D, . . . via secondresilient members 9D, 9D, . . . The stepped screws 10D and the secondresilient members 9D are the same as the stepped screws 10A and thesecond resilient members 9A of the second embodiment.

The display-side casing 100D is such that the diaphragm 2D is made tovibrate as a result of being driven by the drive device so as tofunction as a speaker.

Next, a description is given of a method of assembling the display-sidecasing 100D.

First, the first resilient member 3D and the flexible wiring substrate14D are integrally formed using well-known insert molding etc. Next, thefirst resilient member 3D integrally formed with the flexible wiringsubstrate 14D is fixed to the lower surface of the diaphragm 2D usingthe double-sided tape 15D. The drive device is fixed to the lowersurface of the diaphragm 2D using double-sided tape.

On the other hand, a substrate and a display unit are housed in therecess 11D of the first case 1D. The protruding section 33D of the firstresilient member 3D is press-fitted into the groove 12D of the firstcase 1D. The first case 1D and the center case are then covered fromabove by the diaphragm 2D. The diaphragm 2D and the first case 1D arefixed together by screwing the stepped screws 10D, 10D, . . . into thescrew holes 13D, 13D, . . . of the first case 1D from the screw holes21D, 21D, . . . of the diaphragm 2D via the second resilient members 9D,9D, . . .

The first resilient member 3D is integrally formed at the lower surfaceof the diaphragm 2D facing the side of the first case 1D via theflexible wiring substrate 14D that is a film. The first resilient member3D is then press-fitted into the groove 12D formed on the upper surfaceof the first case 1D facing towards the side of the diaphragm 2D. It istherefore possible to waterproof the space between the diaphragm 2D andthe first case 1D using the first resilient member 3D press-fitted intothe groove 12D. It is also possible to achieve waterproofing that doesnot depend on compression of the first case 1D and the diaphragm 2D andto implement a panel speaker. Further, the diaphragm 2D and the firstresilient member 3D are integrally formed. It is therefore possible toreduce the number of components, simplify the structure, and achieve adegree of thinness.

Further, the first resilient member 3D is integrally formed at a lowersurface of the diaphragm 2D via the flexible wiring substrate 14D.Printing on the back surface of the diaphragm 2D is therefore morestraightforward and it is possible to prevent the diaphragm 2D frombecoming damaged during printing on the back surface.

In particular, the flexible wiring substrate 14D is used as a film. Itis therefore possible not only to lead out the wiring to outside of thefirst case 1D, but also to curtail the structure for waterproofingindependent from the wiring.

Further, the diaphragm 2D and the first case 1D are fixed using thestepped screws 10D via the second resilient members 9D. It is thereforepossible to achieve a novel design and the second case is not necessaryas in the third embodiment. It is therefore possible to reduce thenumber of components, simplify the structure, and achieve thinness.

Various embodiments and changes may be made thereunto without departingfrom the broad spirit and scope of the invention. The above-explainedembodiments are intended to illustrate the present invention, not tolimit the scope of the present invention. The scope of the presentinvention is shown by the attached claims rather than the embodiments.Various modifications made within the meaning of an equivalent of theclaims of the invention and within the claims are to be regarded to bein the scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A waterproof structure comprising: a first case;a diaphragm doubling as a display panel provided corresponding to thefirst case; a second case having an opening within where the diaphragmis disposed so that a surface of the diaphragm and a surface of thesecond case are substantially in the same plane, covering the firstcase; and a first resilient member integrally formed at a surface of thediaphragm facing the first case, wherein the first resilient member ispress-fitted into a groove formed in a surface of the first case facingthe diaphragm side.
 2. The waterproof structure according to claim 1,further comprising a center case housed within a space formed betweenthe first case and the diaphragm, and wherein the first resilient memberis fixed by the second case and is disposed between the diaphragm andthe center case.
 3. The waterproof structure according to claim 1,wherein the diaphragm and the first case are fixed using stepped screwsvia a second resilient member.
 4. A waterproof structure comprising: afirst case; a diaphragm doubling as a display panel providedcorresponding to the first case; a second case having an opening withinwhere the diaphragm is disposed so that a surface of the diaphragm and asurface of the second case are substantially in the same plane, coveringthe first case; and a first resilient member formed integrally via afilm at a surface of the diaphragm facing the first case, wherein thefirst resilient member is press-fitted into a groove formed at a surfaceof the first case facing the diaphragm.
 5. The waterproof structureaccording to claim 4, wherein the film is a flexible wiring substrate.6. The waterproof structure according to claim 4, further comprising acenter case housed within a space formed between the first case and thediaphragm, and wherein the first resilient member is fixed by the secondcase and is disposed between the diaphragm and the center case.
 7. Thewaterproof structure according to claim 4, wherein the diaphragm and thefirst case are fixed using stepped screws via a second resilient member.8. An electronic equipment equipped with the waterproof structureaccording to claim
 1. 9. An electronic equipment equipped with thewaterproof structure according to claim 4.